US3879023A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for absorbing and releasing energy
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1973-12-13
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Granted: 1975-04-22
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Expires: 1993-12-13
Abstract
Abstract In the present method the pressure required to dissolve a gas phase in a liquid phase provides a resistance which will absorb energy. The liquid phase is a substance which is in a liquid state at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures between about 50* to + 150*F. The gas phase is a substance which is a gas at these temperatures, but which is chemically inert to the liquid and essentially insoluble in the liquid at atmospheric pressure. In operation, the gas-liquid phase is stored in a closed container and a positive pressure is applied to the gas-liquid phase. When the applied pressure exceeds about one atmosphere of pressure, part of the gas phase will partially dissolve in the liquid phase. As the gas dissolves in the liquid it provides a cushion for gradual absorption of the applied energy. When the applied pressure on the gas-liquid phase is released, so that the system returns to atmospheric pressure, the gas will come out of solution and the system is again ready to absorb energy.
Inventors
- 👤 Roscoe L Pearce
- 👤 David F Wisniewski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 08:23
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/24; B60R19/26; B60R19/32; F; F16; F16F; F16F9/00; F16F9/06; F16F9/064
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
In a method for absorbing and releasing energy, the steps which comprise: storing in a closed container a substance which is a liquid phase at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of from about -50* to 150*F; storing in the same closed container a substance which is a gas phase at atmospheric pressure and at the recited temperature range, which is chemically inert to the liquid phase, and which is essentially insoluble in the liquid phase at atmospheric pressure; applying to the liquid-gas phase a positive pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure, at the recited temperature range, to partially dissolve the gas phase in the liquid phase; and reducing the pressure on the liquid-gas phase to a condition of atmospheric pressure, to permit the partially dissolved gas phase to come out of solution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a method for absorbing and releasing energy, the steps which comprise: storing in a closed container a substance which is a liquid phase at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of from about -50* to 150*F; storing in the same closed container a substance which is a gas phase at atmospheric pressure and at the recited temperature range, which is chemically inert to the liquid phase, and which is essentially insoluble in the liquid phase at atmospheric pressure; applying to the liquid-gas phase a positive pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure, at the recited temperature range, to partially dissolve the gas phase in the liquid phase; and reducing the pressure on the liquid-gas phase to a condition of atmospheric pressure, to permit the partially dissolved gas phase to come out of solution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a method for absorbing and releasing energy, the steps which comprise: storing in a closed container a substance which is a liquid phase at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of from about -50* to 150*F; storing in the same closed container a substance which is a gas phase at atmospheric pressure and at the recited temperature range, which is chemically inert to the liquid phase, and which is essentially insoluble in the liquid phase at atmospheric pressure; applying to the liquid-gas phase a positive pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure, at the recited temperature range, to partially dissolve the gas phase in the liquid phase; and reducing the pressure on the liquid-gas phase to a condition of atmospheric pressure, to permit the partially dissolved gas phase to come out of solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
135 words
In a method for absorbing and releasing energy, the steps which comprise: storing in a closed container a substance which is a liquid phase at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of from about -50* to 150*F; storing in the same closed container a substance which is a gas phase at atmospheric pressure and at the recited temperature range, which is chemically inert to the liquid phase, and which is essentially insoluble in the liquid phase at atmospheric pressure; applying to the liquid-gas phase a positive pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure, at the recited temperature range, to partially dissolve the gas phase in the liquid phase; and reducing the pressure on the liquid-gas phase to a condition of atmospheric pressure, to permit the partially dissolved gas phase to come out of solution.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 in which the liquid phase is a member of the group consisting of an organic liquid, and a mixture of organic liquids.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 in which the liquid phase is a member of the group consisting of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, polyglycol ethers, N-alkylated pyrollidones, acetone, methanol, dimethyl formamide, sulfolane, alkanolamines, alkyl or alkenyl esters of keto acids, and mixtures of the recited liquids.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method of claim 1 in which: the gas phase includes a first gas phase and a second gas phase; the first gas phase comprises one or more gases which are highly soluble in the liquid phase at a temperature between -50* and + 150*F., and at a pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure; and the second gas phase comprises one or more gases which are essentially insoluble in the liquid phase at the recited temperature, and at a pressure which is above one atmosphere of pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 4 in which the first gas phase comprises one or more gases selected from the group consisting of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulfide, and sulfur dioxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 4 in which the second gas phase comprises one or more gases selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, helium, argon, neon, and carbon monoxide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the liquid phase is propylene carbonate and the gas phase is nitrogen.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-21 | 1978-10-21 | 1979-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-21 | 1982-10-21 | 1983-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-21 | 1986-10-21 | 1987-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |